It’s fitting then that the powerhouses of BSC’s RAGTIME — among a uniformly, vocally exceptional, large cast (20 adults) — are African-American. A youthful Darnell Abraham, of stunning, clear, handsome baritone voice, is outstanding as Coalhouse Walker Jr., the Black piano man who plays ragtime (think Scott Joplin). He’s matched with a superb Zorn Villanueva, seen in SHUFFLE ALONG on Broadway last season, as Coalhouse’s lover, Sarah. But it’s Allison Blackwell, as Sarah’s friend, who defines the show’s highpoint with her powerful lead vocal in the spiritual, “Til We Reach That Day” that closes Act 1.

‘Ragtime’ at Barrington Stage. Photo: Daniel Rader

Choreography is limited in this RAGTIME and pretty much the domain of the African American cast. Choreographer Shea Sullivan creates some lovely stylized movement for the whole ensemble in the opening number and a rousing “Getting’ Ready Rag” with innovative dance vocabulary for the Black ensemble in Act 1 but there’s not enough of it. Brian Panther’s fixed set, envisioned as an attic, is shaped by three large suspended arched windows (more architecturally suggestive of church, bank or courthouse) with Victorian-period furniture and decorative objects scattered about (lots of lamps). Chris Lee’s lighting flatters this scenic design. Costumes by Sara Jean Tosetti have interesting textural appeal, besides being thoroughly character appropriate.

RAGTIME’ås score by Stephen Flaherty (teamed with lyricist Lynn Ahrens now on Broadway’s ANASTASIA), a mix of ragtime, gospel, and marches (think flag-waving John Phillip Souza), relentlessly propels McNally’s book with 32 musical numbers. Ahern works in some clever satire, especially in “What a Game,” an ostensibly cheery but rather dark take on the all-American sport of baseball.

Musical director Darren N. Cohen masters Flaherty’s score as energetically he did Sullivan’s THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE last year at BSC, but between McNally’s very busy book and the non-stop, almost repetitive, parade of vocal numbers, it’s a wonder director Joe Calarco keeps it moving, uninspired as this RAGTIME often is, to an inspirational conclusion. All the white characters move on to a better life, but the Blacks don’t “reach that day” — they’re still holding the short end of the American Dream. As the French say, “plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose.”

I found this production of BS Ragtime lacking. With the exception of the actresses who played Emma Goldman and Sarah’s friend. The leads vocals where ok but did not elicit an emotional response as other productions of Ragtime have. I have been a subscriber at Barrington for several years but lately I find BArrington Stage productions have been declining. It has been a while since there has been a great production at BS. Lately I hope for good. But some productions have been terrible and painful to sit through such as the Birds. In contract other theaters seem to be on a upward trajectory while Barrington stage is declining. The material being chosen, the sets, even the choice of actors in some cases has been unfortunate. Perhaps it is time for a change to revitalize a once great theater.

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